Madhya Pradesh has one of the largest tribal populations in India and ST students have access to several scholarship schemes from both state and central governments. MPTAAS is the primary scheme but there are additional fellowships and support programs that ST students frequently miss. This guide covers all available scholarships for tribal students in MP.
Best Scholarships for ST Students in MP — Complete List
1. MPTAAS Post-Matric Scholarship — Primary Scheme for ST Students
MPTAAS is specifically designed with ST students as a primary focus. ST students get the most comprehensive coverage including maintenance allowance of Rs 380 to Rs 1,500 per month and no income limit for government college students. Additionally fee reimbursement is available for professional courses. Apply at tribal.mp.gov.in/MPTAAS. Use our MPTAAS renewal checker to confirm whether you need to renew or apply fresh each year.
2. NSP Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students
Central government NSP for ST students provides maintenance allowance and course fee reimbursement. Income limit Rs 2.5 lakh. Apply at scholarships.gov.in. For most MP-based ST students studying in MP, MPTAAS gives higher amounts. ST students studying outside MP should check NSP as MPTAAS may not cover out-of-state institutions.
3. UGC National Fellowship for ST Research Students
For ST students pursuing MPhil or PhD. Provides Rs 25,000 per month for JRF and Rs 28,000 per month for SRF plus contingency grants. Apply through the UGC portal. This is considered separate from state post-matric scholarships and may be held alongside MPTAAS in many cases.
4. Mukhyamantri Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana
Open to ST students with 70% or above in Class 12. Covers full tuition fee. Apply at scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in. High-merit ST students should check whether MPTAAS and Medhavi Yojana can be held simultaneously for their course.
Key Advantage for ST Students Over SC and OBC in MPTAAS
ST students in Madhya Pradesh have the largest advantage under MPTAAS — zero income limit in government colleges, higher priority in district approval queues, and additional tribal welfare fund support for specific tribes. If you are ST and studying in a government college, you will almost certainly qualify for MPTAAS regardless of family income. Also see our complete MP tribal scholarship guide for all available support programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best scholarship for ST students in MP?
MPTAAS is the best scholarship for ST students in Madhya Pradesh. It has no income limit for government college students and provides both maintenance allowance and fee reimbursement.
Is there any scholarship for ST students for PhD in MP?
Yes. MPTAAS covers PhD at the highest scholarship rate. Additionally the UGC National Fellowship for ST students provides Rs 25,000 to 28,000 per month for MPhil and PhD research.
What is the income limit for ST students in MPTAAS?
No income limit for ST students in government colleges. Rs 6 lakh for ST students in private colleges.
Can ST students from MP apply for central tribal scholarships?
Yes. Central scholarships from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs are available on scholarships.gov.in for ST students nationwide including MP.
Can ST students get both MPTAAS and central scholarship?
Generally not for the same post-matric category. However UGC National Fellowship is considered separate from state post-matric scholarships. Verify with your institution.
